Posts Tagged ‘Packing Liquids’

Picture Perfect Picnic

Posted in Picnic Accessories on April 21st, 2024 by – Be the first to comment

It’s a gorgeous day outside, what better way to celebrate that than to go on a picnic to the park in the neighboring town? Theoretically this seems like a great idea, but in reality, such an event requires planning. What if the food gets spoiled? Will it stay cold? Will it stay hot? Will my liquids spill? And if this picnic is supposed to be anywhere near romantic, will the wine that you bought stay fresh, cold and intact? The list of questions goes on and on…

So let’s say you are on a date with your special someone. You want the picnic to go perfect, right? The food should be delectable and the ambiance should create that “Kodak moment.” The scene would be ruined if you shrieked, “Oh no! The wine bottle broke!”

Freeze the frame. What would your picnic buddies’ reactions be? Most likely, “Oh, I don’t feel like wine anyway…” or “It’s alright, we can do without.” We know that they’re thinking inside, “Why didn’t you watch where you put the wine bottle?! We could have had a great picnic, but no. You had to pull another one of your stunts. I was really looking forward to it too!” Not the greatest reaction…

However, there is a silver lining in even this situation. BottleWise is here to save the day! Our Picnic With Ascot line features the Sunset Wine Carrier, Bahamas Picnic Basket Cooler and more. These are perfect for storing wine and other liquids. Both have several compartments to store wines and other supplies. In addition to that, they’re insulated as well. The Sunset Wine Carrier even has a place to store wine glasses. How convenient for your picnic date!

Are these not enough for you? Then take a look at the BottleWise Picnic Plus line. This takes storing wine to the next level. With 12 more product choices, you won’t have a hard time finding your perfect match at all. Bringing only one or two wine bottles? The Veranda Wine Tote is a perfect fit. Elegantly hand woven and lined with thermal foil, you can be sure to picnic in style. Is two too small of a number for you? Don’t worry, BottleWise offers the Quad Bottle Bag.  This way you’ll be able to give that special someone a choice of wine on his or her special picnic day. It’ll be one that they’ll remember forever.

So the romantic picnic idea went over well. And you know what the plus is? Now that you have the BottleWise supplies to help you out, you can go on as many of these amazing outings as you’d like. Your friends and family won’t be able to stop thanking you for your planning and preparedness.

Be sure to shop the BottleWise catalog for spectacular savings and free shipping on all our picnic accessories through Sept. 13th.  Have a great Labor Day picnic with BottleWise.

Cheers!

Happy Labor Day!

How to Pack Anything

Posted in Packing Liquids, Packing Tips, Travel, Travel Tips, Uncategorized on June 25th, 2012 by – Be the first to comment

Smart strategies for stowing your belongings, from accessories to sleepwear.

Accessories (Earrings, Necklaces, Scarves)

  • Keep necklaces protected and kink-free “by threading them through drinking straws, then putting the filled straws in toothbrush holders,” says Anne McAlpin, author of Pack It Up.
  • Store earrings in a day-of-the-week pill container, or cut out a small cardboard square and punch them through.
  • Put all the jewelry you intend to wear with a certain outfit in a sandwich bag and pin it to one of the clothing items.
  • Toss silk scarves near the top of your bag to prevent them from getting crushed.

Belts

  • For narrow belts: Wind them into coils and place each one in a zipper-sealed bag. Put every bag in a shoe.
  • For larger versions: Fit them around the edges of your bag. Their size and width make them less likely to snake about.

Blouses, Shirts, Tees

  • Layer tissue paper or plastic dry-cleaning bags between garments to keep them smooth. (Clothes wrinkle when they rub against one another.)
  • Put nice items on top to keep weight off them.
  • Shirts and blouses will lose their shape if they’re rolled up, but rolling works well for T-shirts, which should go near the bottom of the bag.

Books

  • Because of their weight, books tend to shift to the bottom of a suitcase, near the wheels. To prevent them from dragging other items down, start by placing them there.

Bras

  • To help preserve their shape, stuff rolled underwear and socks in the cups and seal in a plastic bag. Tuck into the corners of the suitcase.

Dresses

  • If a dress is long enough, you can place it directly on top of your pants and “interfold” it (see Pants). Otherwise, keep it near the top―above heavier shirts and sweaters―and fold it as few times as possible.
  • Either way, slip it into a dry-cleaning or garment bag to prevent it from wrinkling.

Jeans

  • Because these are heavy, position them near the wheels, well below any delicate clothing.
  • Fold them at the waist, then in half, lengthwise. Or roll them, folding at the waist, then rolling upward from the bottom, stopping just below the belt line (because of the zipper and the pockets at the top, rolling jeans all the way adds unnecessary volume).

Medicines

  • Put all daily medications, as well as things like contact lenses and glasses, in your hand luggage. Keep prescription drugs in the original containers; the Transportation Security Administration requires you to have proof that they’re yours.

Liquids

  • Traveling with your favorite bottle of vino.  Pack safely with the BottleWise Rollup.  Its compact and take up little space in your luggage.  Best of all it protects from breaking or leaking.
  • You never leave home without your favorite lotion or makeup.  Be sure to protect your liquids with a Pitotube cosmetic case.

Pants

  • Pack at the very bottom of the suitcase, just above the layer that fills the three indentations made by the suitcase pulley (that layer can consist of underwear, workout clothes, and pajamas).
  • For the first pair, place the waistband against a narrow end of the suitcase and drape the legs over the opposite edge. Position the next pair’s waistband so that it touches the opposite short end of the suitcase. Continue alternating with all the pants, then put all the other items on top. Fold the pant legs over the pile of clothing. This “interfolding,” as packing experts call it, helps prevent trouser creases.

Outerwear

  • In the winter, carry on an oversize jacket or parka and bulk up with long-sleeved T-shirts, sweaters, and scarves. Packing a light jacket and several layers is more space-efficient than packing a heavy coat.
  • Place your jacket toward the bottom of the bag. Store gloves in your coat pockets.

Sleepwear

  • Chances are your pajamas are among the things you’ll need first, so put a set in the top layer.
  • Keep the rest at the bottom, filling in the indentations caused by the suitcase handle.

Article by Sara Reistad-Long, Real Simple

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Carry-Ons: Right vs. Wrong

Posted in 3-1-1 Liquids Bans, Packing Liquids, Travel, TSA Regulations on February 7th, 2012 by – Be the first to comment

Sue Ellen: average height, slender build, simply dressed, frazzled mind, and bloodshot eyes. She’s a smart woman, but let’s face it, she’s been working hard. It’s 11:30 PM and Sue Ellen has yet to pack for her trip to New York City tomorrow at 5:00 AM.

So what results? Sue Ellen grabs an energy shot and begins a whirl of activity. She dumps in three pairs of slacks, a skirt, four blouses, a scarf, three blazers, a jewelry box and her mismatched, dirtied, TSA approved zip-lock bag into an over sized duffel bag. On top of that she throws in her two pairs of bulky high-heeled shoes. Of course, her laptop fits in there….somewhere. Finally the miscellaneous items: a snack bar, her iPod, headphones, portfolios and a few pens. All in all, her bag is a dump yard.

Alright, so we already have a bad feeling about this scenario. Let’s fast-forward and see how it pans out. A tired, sleepy Sue Ellen arrives at the airport and hurries through check-in. She lugs her duffel bag through security but is stopped. Her bag has to go through another security check. The attendant dumps out all her bag’s contents. The zip-lock bag has opened and ruined her good slacks and shoes. Her nice blouses are wrinkled. The security attendant discards her zip-lock and allows her to proceed. Not only do the few minutes cause Sue Ellen to miss her flight, but she has no toiletries and soiled clothing. What a great start to her business trip!

Now if we back track, we can see that the crucial point was Sue Ellen’s hurried packing job. Could she have done things differently? Yes, perhaps she could have. Here are few tips that may have helped her out to pack her carry-on bag:

  • Pack in layers and be organized. Rolling clothing helps reduce wrinkles and saves space.
  • Don’t over-pack clothes and shoes.  Many outfits can be mixed and matched over a few days.
  • Invest in one piece of carry on luggage that is easy to pack and fits nicely in the crowded overhead bins.
  • Pack a second carry-on (backpack, handbag or computer case) with your laptop or electronics you need access to easily on your flight.
  • Pack items that need to be removed in security (toiletries, computer, etc) in one carry-on. This avoid having to rustle through both of your approved carry-on pieces.
  • Use travel-size bottles for cream and liquids that aren’t bigger than 3 oz.
  • All liquids should fit into a quart sized, transparent plastic bag
  • Declare or discard any liquids that you have (baby formula, juice, medications, bottled water, etc.)before getting into line.  You are not only going to delay yourself, but others behind you.

Most of the above is pretty simple. The only challenge is getting those liquids under control. Who wants to be running around the last minute, tearing the house apart for small containers to put shampoo in? After all that hard work, you won’t even be sure that those liquids won’t leak! As cabin pressure changes, often liquids are caused to leak out of containers. Who wants to deal with that?

This is why BottleWise offers travelers  few alternatives to help make packing your toiletries at various price points. TravelRite Kit comes with TSA approved bottles with tops and a see-through plastic bag. If you’re more of the simple type or just new a few leakproof bottles, Go Toobs are for you. If the cabin pressure has been messing with your plastic bottles, then a great thing to do is check out Pitotubes; they don’t let those liquids leak!

Be sure to check out our great savings on all of our toiletry items to make your next trip mess free!  Safe Travels.

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Security Checkpoint – A Pit Stop in your journey

Posted in 3-1-1 Liquids Bans, Packing Liquids, Travel, TSA Regulations, TSA Restricted Items on January 30th, 2012 by – 1 Comment

Imagine this…you’re planning a trip from your home in the city of Chicago to Washington DC, which would be roughly a two hour journey by flight. But, you’ve got to keep in mind that the security checks prior to the journey will waste two whole hours of your valuable time. No matter frequent of a traveler, there’s no way around the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) rules. You still have to stand in long lines and disrobe yourself multiple times. Doesn’t that become a pain? Of course, but proper planning always helps. Especially in travel nowadays, it really makes much more sense to plan with the increasing rules from the TSA. Let’s see what the travelers have on their mind about the security check…

Can I carry my favorite shampoo and toothpaste?
You can carry limited amounts (3 oz. gel or liquid) in your carry-on. Good news! There are several great products on the market that make packing your favorite shampoos, creams and makeup a breeze.  GoToobs are a compact, reusable and inexpensive solution.

I need my prescription medication and how about food for my baby?
Thank goodness, they are exempt from the rules. However to expedite the process place these items in their original labeled containers.

I’m a photographer, is it safe to have my film rolls in carry-on?
X-Ray machines for carry-on are considered safe. It would be better to carry the rolls in clear plastic bag. Depending on the number of security check points during your travel and minimal exposure is better.

What can I expect in passenger screening?
Unlike your baggage, which undergoes X-Ray exposure, you, as a passenger, don’t have to do the same thing. However, it is mandatory to remove your shoes, place your cell phone and any other metal items like keys along to be screened as well.

I am going on a wine tour in the Fall, how can I bring home a few bottles of wine? Unfortunately, with the new TSA regulations, you must pack any liquids over 3 oz in your checked baggage.    There are a few products on the market that make packing large, fragile bottles of liquid a breeze!  The BottleWise Duo easily packs two bottles of wine or spirits in your luggage.  This bag is reusable and lightweight!

Last but not least, it is always better not to argue with the TSA authorities if they confiscate something from you. Argument never makes the situation better, especially with the security authorities. If they feel that your nail clippers might be a potential danger, just say, “So be it!” and pass the security check. You don’t want to miss your flight with such expensive tickets for something that is worth less than a dollar.

What have you had confiscated by TSA in your journeys recently?

BottleWise is committed to manufacturing high-quality bags that make life easier for the discriminating culinary traveler and is founded by Amy Dias (adias@bottlewise.com)

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Holiday travel: Airport survival guide

Posted in 3-1-1 Liquids Bans, Airline Fees, Airline Service Charges, Packing Tips, Travel, Travel Tips, TSA Regulations, TSA Restricted Items on August 12th, 2011 by – Be the first to comment

The crowds. The lines. The security and scanning. The sprint to the gate. All of it can overwhelm air travelers — especially during the holiday rush — but it doesn’t have to be that way.

And as security measures continue to ramp up, with pat-downs and new scans, navigating overbooked, overflowing airports just got a bit more dicey. We asked travel experts to provide tips to make the airport experience a smooth one, especially if you haven’t flown since last holiday season. But first, be aware that you’ll have lots of company in your quest to share a turkey dinner with relatives.

It’s estimated that 42.2 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home for Thanksgiving, according to AAA and IHS Global Insight. That’s an 11 percent increase from last year, when 37.9 million people traveled during the holiday. And about 24 million people will be crammed into airplanes, a 3.5 percent increase over last year, according to the Air Transport Association of America, which represents somHoliday Travele of the nation’s biggest airlines.

The busiest travel day is expected to be the Sunday after Thanksgiving, followed by the Monday after the holiday, the ATA said. The Friday before Thanksgiving week and the Wednesday before the holiday will be the other peak travel days.

The least busy travel day? The holiday itself: Thursday, November 25.

No matter what day you fly, here are five tips to survive the airport this holiday season.

1. Hit the web before you head for the airport

Let modern technology save you some hassles and maybe even some money. Check in online up to 24 hours before your flight is scheduled to leave, and print your boarding pass at home.

“This allows you to secure your seat assignment, double-check for any schedule changes … and decrease your chances of getting bumped if your flight is oversold,” said Genevieve Shaw Brown, senior editor at Travelocity.

New since the holidays last year: More carriers now allow you to check in from your smartphone and use a digital bar code on the screen to pass through the airport. If you’re using this option, save the bar code as a photo on your device, which will make it much easier to retrieve at security and at the gate, advised Bryan Saltzburg, general manager of TripAdvisor Flights.

If you’re checking bags, many airlines have raised their fees this year, but some offer discounts if you prepay during the online check-in. Delta, Continental and US Airways, for example, take $2 off the first bag and $3 off the second if you pay online when you check in for your flight on the carrier’s website.

“Know before you go,” Saltzburg said. “There are fees, and it’s important to educate yourself and be prepared and handle as much of the check-in process before you actually get to the airport.” He recommended the ultimate airline fee guide on SmarterTravel.com to get a clear picture of any extra charges you might pay.

2. Pack light

Avoid checked-bag fees altogether by bringing carry-on luggage only. (Be sure to check with your carrier on the maximum size of bags allowed in the overhead bins.) You can head straight for the security line when you arrive at the airport and skip the baggage carousel after your flight lands at your destination.

New since the holidays last year: Spirit Airlines now charges a fee for carry-ons that passengers place in the overhead bins. (Each traveler can still bring one personal item that fits under a seat for free, such as a purse or briefcase.) Every other airline allows one piece of luggage and one personal item to be carried on for free by every ticketed passenger, Brown said.

3. Give yourself plenty of time

TripAdvisor recommends getting to the airport at least two hours before your scheduled departure for a domestic flight and three hours before an international trip, Saltzburg said. It’s especially important to get to the airport early during the Thanksgiving and Christmas travel rush, because the many inexperienced fliers and families with children who are venturing out during the holidays will probably slow down the security process.

New since the holidays last year: Beefed-up screening means that lines may be moving more sluggishly. “Body scanners and additional pat-downs are the norm these days, leave extra time to get through security,” Brown said.

4. Prepare for the security line

There’s no avoiding your encounter with Transportation Security Administration agents, and there’s tension in the air as hundreds of travelers grab bins and shuffle through with their belongings.

“The one place you’ll tend to have to queue is going to be at airport security, and it’s probably your most stressful part of the trip,” Saltzburg said. You can’t speed up the line, but you can do your part to prevent slowing it down. Here are some basic tips:

  • Have your boarding pass and ID easily available.
  • Remove your shoes. (“Slip-on shoes should make going through security much faster,” Saltzburg advised.)
  • Make sure all of your liquids are in a zip-top plastic bag that’s kept separate from your carry-on bag and adheres to the 3-1-1 rule: Fliers are limited to 3-ounce or smaller containers of liquids or gels, that can fit in a one-quart-size clear plastic zip-top bag; one bag per passenger.
  • Send coats and jackets through the X-ray machine.
  • Take any items that might set off the metal detector — like keys, loose change and heavy jewelry — out of your pockets.
  • Don’t wrap any gifts. If security officers need to inspect a package, they may have to unwrap it. If traveling with food, check the TSA’s list of items that should be checked or shipped ahead.

5. Plan for flight delays

Don’t expect all of your Thanksgiving travel plans to happen without a hitch, Orbitz.com advised. Prepare for the worst, hope for the best, and if you have connecting flights, build buffers into your itinerary so that one disruption won’t jeopardize your entire trip. “Keep any medication you need and something to keep you busy in your carry-on bags,” Brown said.

Saltzburg, who flies several times a week, said he depends on noise-canceling headphones to provide him with moments of Zen. “I put my headset on, and it tunes out the world around me,” he said.

Safe Travels.

This article was written by A. Pawlowski, CNN

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Why Is the TSA Questioning Me?

Posted in 3-1-1 Liquids Bans, Packing Tips, Travel Tips, TSA Regulations, TSA Restricted Items on December 20th, 2010 by – Be the first to comment

Did you know that something as simple as a headband can trigger airport alarms? Here, seven ways you may unknowingly set off security measures—and what to do about it.

Ever wonder why the TSA singled you out to rifle through your bag? Or what exactly made the metal detector beep? By now, we all know to ditch our liquids before reaching security. But did you know that something as harmless as a headband can prompt a time-consuming cross-examination?

On an average day, transportation security officers scan more than 2 million travelers—and all of their luggage—and that number will only continue to increase. We spoke to TSA spokeswoman Lauren Gaches for the lowdown on seven items that can put officers on alert in spite of the fact that, for the most part, they’re perfectly acceptable for air travel.

THE OFFENDER: ALUMINUM FOIL WRAPPERS

Why they catch attention: Nothing escapes the metal-detecting prowess of airport security systems—not even something as minuscule as a foil wrapper. Many manufacturers of chewing gum, candy, and cigarettes have caught on and made the transition from metallic wrap to paper, but the hold-outs can put a kink in your smooth passage through airport checkpoints. What to do: Empty your pockets of any and all offending foil before passing through a metal detector.

THE OFFENDER: HEADBANDS

Why they catch attention: Even though headbands (like bulky clothing and hats) are not prohibited, sporting them may lead to additional screening. The reason is simple: Metal constitutes the frame of many headbands and, consequently, triggers the detector. What to do: Avoid being pulled aside by sending your hair accessory through security ahead of you on the X-ray belt.

THE OFFENDER: SMALL ALCOHOL BOTTLES

Why they catch attention: The TSA is naturally more focused on detecting potential explosives than in analyzing the contents of your personal minibar, but when it comes to liquors, the rules are based on size and packaging: Respectively, alcohol must be less than 3.4 ounces, bottled in original container, and contained in a one-quart sized, zip-top bag. What to do: As long as you follow the 3-1-1 requirements for liquids, you should be ok.

THE OFFENDER: SNOW GLOBES

Why they catch attention: Don’t expect to get onto a plane with a snow globe. Believe it or not, the liquid contents of most crystal balls surpass the 3.4-ounce limit and, consequently, aren’t allowed in carry-ons. In fact, back in October an abandoned package containing a snow globe appeared so suspicious that it caused the evacuation of Bradley International Airport in Connecticut. What to do: There’s no way around it—snow globes need to be checked.

THE OFFENDER: INHALERS

Why they catch attention: As an aerosol product, some inhalers are a cause for concern because at first glance they may seem to violate the “3-1-1″ rule for liquids, gels, and aerosols (limit of 3.4 ounces, packed in one quart-size, see-through, zip-top bag). Of course, given that these objects are a medical must for some travelers, they are exempt from restriction. What to do: To avoid unwanted questioning, Gaches advises travelers to inform officers in advance if they’re carrying an inhaler. It helps speed things up if your medications are properly labeled.

THE OFFENDER: UNDER-WIRE BRAS

Why they catch attention: The TSA swears this shouldn’t be an issue, but we’ve heard plenty of tales from women (and at least one cross-dresser) who insist that the metal in an under-wire bra has triggered a secondary “wanding” after passing through the metal detector. In some cases, a rogue under-wire has even led to a closer inspection by a female agent in a private room. What to do: The answer, then, may be to pack the metallic lingerie in your checked bags and sport a more comfortable model while in flight.

THE OFFENDER: JARS OF PEANUT BUTTER

Why they catch attention: Everything on earth can be categorized as a liquid, gas, or solid—except maybe lava and peanut butter. It’s doubtful you’ll be packing lava in your purse, but what about peanut butter? It’s certainly not a liquid—you could hold it upside down for a decade and it would never drop. But anything that can “conform to the shape of its container,” such as cold cream, toothpaste, or, yes, peanut butter, can upset the swift flow of the security line. What to do: Plan ahead and pack “conformable” liquids in the bags you’ll be checking. Peanut butter sandwiches, on the other hand, are perfectly fine.

Unsure about an item that’s not on our list? Check out the TSA’s online “Can I Bring?” application to see what is (and is not) acceptable.

By Gary McKechnie, Budget Travel

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BottleWise Launches Rollup: Must Have Wine Bag for The Gourmet Traveler!

Posted in 3-1-1 Liquids Bans, Packing Liquids, Travel, TSA Regulations, Wine Gadgets on October 25th, 2010 by – 1 Comment

Madison, WI – Oct. 25,  2010 – BottleWise®,  creator of innovative travel gear for food and wine enthusiasts, today announced the availability of BottleWise Rollup™, a compact wine travel bag that safely transports up to 1 L bottle inside checked luggage. Rollup, the latest addition to the BottleWise lineup, offers a new class of lightweight, yet durable protection for your best bottles. Think beyond the vino-this bag isn’t just for wine.

Rollup Features

Designed with the sophisticated culinary traveler in mind, BottleWise Rollup features a padded, insulated sleeve, plus one interior liquid-tight liner to protect your bottle from breakage. The versatile wine travel case allows foodies to safely transport a variety of gourmet liquids and is reusable, so it’s environmentally friendly.  When not in use, Rollup simply lays flat; when needed, just roll that bottle up for safe travels!  No breaks. No leaks. No worries.

TSA Friendly

Developed in response to the U.S. Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) restrictions on liquids in carry-on bags, the BottleWise Rollup is so much more than a wine bottle carrier. Travelers can once again, safely bring home that special bottle of wine, spirits, olive oil and more from their culinary adventure. Baggage handlers are no match for the durability of BottleWise products-you can rest assured your best bottles will arrive safely intact!

Rollup Pricing and Availability

Pricing for BottleWise Rollup is $19.99. It’s made in the USA of durable, yet lightweight fabric and comes with a lifetime guarantee. Rollup comes in a variety of colors: Onyx, Bordeaux, Vine and Azure. The multi-purpose wine bottle bag is available just in time for the holidays.

Rollup your best bottle and go!

Rollup your best bottle and Go!

About BottleWise

Since it’s inception in 2007, BottleWise has become the trusted name in gourmet travel gear, specializing in bottle protection for your liquid lifestyle™. Whether you like wine or whiskey, champagne or a micro brew; we’ve got you covered!  We’ve sold thousands of our wine totes worldwide, and haven’t lost a bottle yet. BottleWise has received rave reviews by travel enthusiasts, and has been featured in numerous media outlets, including; Wine Spectator, NBC Weekend New York, The Wall Street Journal, United Hemispheres, CruiseReport.com, DailyCandy.com and Real Simple to name a few. When your best bottles matter, BottleWise is the only choice.   Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.  Visit us online at www.bottlewise.com.

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Planning a Wine Tour this Fall

Posted in Uncategorized, Wine Touring, Wine Tours on September 28th, 2010 by – 1 Comment

Whoever said California doesn’t have a fall season was sadly mistaken!  Imagine rolling hills of vibrant red, russet, amber and gold grape leave shimmering in the sun.  Liquid amber trees dot the valleys in all their splendid fall glory.  Days are warm, skies are crystal blue and fallen leaves crunch underfoot.  Mix this beauty in with a wine tour and all seems perfect!  Wine touring is a fun way to get the best-tasting and most carefully selected wines.  The Pacific Northwest (a.k.a. Wine Country) has all the choices, waiting for you!

Here’s how to get a jumpstart on planning your trip:

1.  Choose your wine region- Seattle, Woodinville, Yakima, Rattlesnake Valley, Zillah, Leavenworth, Prosser, Grandview, Sunnyside, Red Mountain, Walla Walla Valley, and more…check out some Wine Country maps. http://www.inetours.com/PagesWT/Wine_Tours.html

2.  Choose which wineries to visit and determine the sequence and daily schedule. It helps to do a little research on wines and prices. Also, check out reviews and the atmosphere of these wineries to ensure they fit your expectations.  If you are traveling to a new location this Fall, look up to see if there are any local wineries in the area.  There are several growing niche wineries all across the country, so you don’t need to limit your self to the Pacific NW.

3.   You may want to call some wineries ahead of time to see if an appointment is necessary and if there are any charges.  Be sure to ask them about their wine-tasting hours as well and if there are any special winery events or festivals that you may want to take part in (ie. Grape Stomping!)

4.   Don’t forget the food! All the wine touring will make you hungry, so plan where you’ll be dining. Seattle, Woodinville, Walla Walla, Leavenworth, Tri-Cities, and Lake Chelan have some great selections. Many wineries also have private areas where you can bring in your own picnic and pair it up with one of their wines.

5.  Plan lodging and transportation accommodations if you’re traveling from afar.  Many hotels may offer wine tour packages that can offer you added savings.  Another option is to check with  your local travel agent. They have great insights on what areas to visit from past clients and can even plan a complete tour for you at no additional cost.

6.    Don’t forget the most important thing: plan to have something to bring back your wine in! The BottleWise Bot’lPak or the BottleWise Duo are the safest way to transport you wine in your checked luggage. They’re reusable and keep your wine safe from breaks or leaks. No need to waste money on shipping your wine back home, not to mention all the Styrofoam that goes to waste in that process! You can be cost-effective and environmentally effective at the same time this way.  SAVE $10 (now through October  10th), promo code  DUO10 at www.BottleWise.com.

Sources: http://www.winesnw.com/news_reviews/newsandreviews4.htm, http://www.washingtonwinetours.com/plan-wine-tour.html

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